The Kentucky Rifle Association Bulletins present original research, artifact documentation, and historical analysis produced by KRA members and contributors. These publications preserve scholarship on American longrifles, regional gunmaking traditions, and material culture from the 18th and 19th centuries.

29 03, 2026

KRA Bulletin | VOLUME 41 | NUMBER 2 | WINTER 2015

This Winter 2015 Bulletin features a detailed symbolic analysis of a Jacob Kuntz pistol bearing five intentional signatures across wood, steel, and brass. Interpreting Masonic, religious, and political imagery, the article examines how Kuntz used firearms as vehicles for identity, belief, and artistic expression within early American gunmaking traditions.   [read more]

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29 03, 2026

KRA Bulletin | VOLUME 41 | NUMBER 1 | FALL 2014

This Fall 2014 Bulletin documents the defense of the Miller Block House in western Pennsylvania during a 1782 frontier attack, focusing on Ann Hupp’s role and a Lancaster made longrifle attributed to Joel Ferree. Using primary records and firearm analysis, the issue separates documented history from frontier folklore and examines transitional American rifles associated with Revolutionary era service.   [read more]

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29 03, 2026

KRA Bulletin | VOLUME 40 | NUMBER 3 | SPRING 2014

This Spring 2014 Bulletin presents a detailed examination of Kentucky rifles made in the Cumberland region, focusing on the work of gunsmith Jacob Young and rifles built for frontier leaders such as William Whitley and Gasper Mansker. Through analysis of architecture, engraving, and historical records, the issue explores the Cumberland as a distinct frontier culture central to the development of the American longrifle tradition.   [read more]

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29 03, 2026

KRA Bulletin | VOLUME 40 | NUMBER 2 | WINTER 2013

This Winter 2013 Bulletin examines the longrifle makers of Guilford County, North Carolina, documenting the evolution of the Early Deep River School into the Jamestown School. Through analysis of signed rifles, apprenticeships, and regional architecture, the issue highlights Guilford County as the most prolific center of longrifle production in the South and a critical contributor to American gunmaking history.   [read more]

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29 03, 2026

KRA Bulletin | VOLUME 40 | NUMBER 1 | FALL 2013

This Fall 2013 Bulletin examines the long standing attribution issues surrounding gunsmith Christian Beck of Jonestown, Pennsylvania. Drawing on church records, tax rolls, estate documents, and signed rifles, the article clarifies Beck family relationships and corrects prior misidentifications of Christian Beck “the Earlier” and “the Later.” The study establishes a documented framework for accurately identifying rifles produced by Christian Beck during the early nineteenth century.   [read more]

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29 03, 2026

KRA Bulletin | VOLUME 39 | NUMBER 3 | SPRING 2013

This Spring 2013 Bulletin explores the Clark family of Lebanon, Ohio, documenting their emergence as the state’s most prolific early gunsmiths. Using surviving rifles, census records, and workshop histories, the issue traces James Clark and his sons through apprenticeship, production, and market adaptation as American gunmaking shifted with westward expansion.   [read more]

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29 03, 2026

KRA Bulletin | VOLUME 39 | NUMBER 2 | WINTER 2012

This Winter 2012 Bulletin analyzes early U.S. rifle procurement through the work of Dickert, DeHuff & Co., a Lancaster based consortium that supplied arms for both the Army and the Indian Department between 1792 and 1811. Using contracts, production records, and surviving rifles, the article traces how federal purchasing shaped the Lancaster pattern and influenced the transition from custom civilian longrifles to standardized government arms.   [read more]

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